C O F F E E S H O P

1. Avella Hot House English 8 Mrs. Irey C O F F E ES H O P Poetry Unit Public Speaking Mrs. Irey

2. What is a beatnik? BEATNIK is a term that was given to some people during the “beat generation” (the 1950’s and 60’s) when rock n’ roll, blues, and jazz were just emerging into the American mainstream. People, especially young adults, that enjoyed this non-commercial kind of music were labeled “beatniks” and were considered to be unusual, artsy, and living on the fringe of society. They used words and phrases like… “groovy,” “cool cat,” “daddy-o,” “boss,” “dig it,” and “like wow, man.”

3. These beatniks were also known to hang out in COFFEE SHOPS and recite poetry, usually to a beat… often, coming from a standing bass or bongos.

4. Often, the COOL way to show your approval for another beatnik’s poetry or performance piece would not have been to clap, but to SNAP YOUR FINGERS!

5. Their fashion was also considered unusual, avant-garde, and modern for the time— lots of black, stripes, and often, a beret.

6. Let’s watch a few of these beatniks in action… “Tomorrow’s a Drag, man!” video 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVOXxDV5BdI “The Woman” video 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlkoQ4bUE5k&feature=related “IbbityBibbitySibbitySab” video 3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MHiPrVfdgM

7. Your Assignment Write a poem about one of the topics at the end of this slideshow. Write a beatnik-style poem about the topic you choose. Write at least 10 lines. Use the proper heading format. Give your poem an original title, placed in the proper location on the page. Use poetry or don’t; rhyme or don’t; make sense or don’t. This is art, Daddy-O!

8. Your Assignment (continued) 7. Include a simile or onomatopoeia, also underline and label it. 8. You may read directly from your sheet, at the coffee shop reading. 9. Show your appreciation for the other “beatniks” by snapping at the end of each piece.

9. Your Assignment (continued) 10. Participation and effort are the key graded items here! Just do your best, and… 11. Have fun with this one!

10. RUBRIC 1.Paper with at least ten lines of writing is submitted on the day of the Coffee Shop………………...5 pts. 2.Writing is, at least, loosely related to the pre-approved topic…………………………………5 pts. 3.There is a simile or onomatopoeia in the poem………………………...5 pts. 4.Simile or onomatopoeia are underlined and properly labeled…5 pts. 5.Beatnik poet speaks with enough volume for us to hear……5 pts. 6.Spoken piece is performed smoothly, with obvious effort & preparation…………………………5 pts. 7.Beatnik responds to other performers appropriately. (In other words, he/she is a good Coffee Shop customer)……………………………….5 pts. TOTAL…………………………..35 points

11. To add a sense of realism (and FUN) to this project, we will be enjoying coffee on the day of our COFFEE SHOP!

12. YOU can also add to the realism of this project by dressing the part. Wear any or all of the following items to really become a BEATNIK at our Coffee Shop… - All black clothing, or - Black pants w/ black n’ white striped shirts - Black or dark sunglasses, especially the “Lennon” style - Black or dark scarves - Berets, especially black

13. Now, here are your topics… Remember: these are purposely silly and vague. YOU have to make them awesome! Trees Hands A Cat The Moon

14. Avella Hot House Okay, beatniks… The date of our Coffee Shop will be Friday, March 4, 2011! Start putting your thoughts on paper and practicing them aloud. Have fun! NOTE: You’ll also get a study guide for next week’s Poetry Test.